We are creatures of habit.
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
What an excellent post! You have addressed an issue that we all deal with in education. It is so easy to continue doing things the way we have always done them. Thanks for the encouraging words. I will pass this on!
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